Academic Guidance

Based on the new framework law on higher education (Law 4009/2011), the organisational charter of each Higher Education Institution may provide for the establishment and operation of a student support structure; the aim is to provide counselling services for students' smooth transition from secondary to higher education, as well as to provide information on the institution’s overall operation; it also supports students with disabilities or students facing difficulties in successfully completing their studies. In addition to this, the Internal Regulation of each Institution determines, on a rotational basis, the assignment of advisory duties to professors. Their mission is to provide guidance and advice to students for their progress and the successful completion of their studies.

For every postgraduate student attending a Postgraduate Study Programme, leading to the acquisition of a Master's Degree(Metaptychiako Diploma Spoudon), the Department's "Special Composition General Assembly" appoints one supervisor, amongst the Teaching and Research Staff of the specific programme, to monitor and control the postgraduate student's course of study.

With regard to postgraduate studies leading to a PhD, a three-member Advisory Committee (two members and one main supervisor) are appointed by the same body. Their duty is to guide and supervise the doctoral candidate(Ypopsifios Didaktoras) and to certify the successful completion of his educational, research and general scientific work, in accordance with the Internal Operation Regulation of the Postgraduate Studies Programme.

With regard to undergraduate and postgraduate students going abroad, in the context of the ERASMUS programme, a member of the Teaching Staff is designated as Academic Coordinator in charge, responsible to finalise, in co-operation with the student, the curriculum to be followed, to approve the said curriculum and to ensure recognition of the studies on behalf of the host Institution.

Psychological Counselling

In the framework of student care and student support services, the counselling to students- a broadly acclaimed institution- operates in all Higher Education Institutions and is offered in specialised centers, the students’ counselling centres. The purpose of these centers is to offer free of charge counselling and psychological support to undergraduate and postgraduate students, to support students with special educational needs, to raise awareness and sensitise the university community in mental health issues and to formulate a general mental health policy. The Students Psychological Counselling Workshop of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (www.skf.psych.uoa.gr/), the Counselling and Psychological Support Center of Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (www.auth.gr/kesypsy), the Counselling Center of the University of Crete (skf.uoc.gr/) constitute indicative examples of such efforts.

Career Guidance

According to the new law on higher education (Law 4009/2011), the students carry out their practical training in the public or private sector domestically or abroad, when this is included in their programme of studies. The conditions and terms of practical training are regulated at the Organisational Charter of each Institution. Special care is also taken to facilitate students with disabilities to perform their practical training on equal terms with every other student.

Similarly, according to the law on higher education (Law 4009/2011), in the framework of the Innovation and Liaison Office, special services are provided, regarding information and advice on career issues, in order to support and assist students in both identifying their inclinations and dexterities and in choosing careers or pursuing further studies, but also in finding a job.